HAVING DOMINATED LADIES’ snooker for the past decade, Reanne Evans is set to take advantage of a change in qualifying rules and attempt to compete in the men’s event in April.
The 29-year old, who has won every ladies’ world title since 2005, is now just three wins away from a place in the main event at Sheffield between 18 April and 4 May.
And she could well be joined in the qualifiers by former champions Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis with both said to be interested in contesting for one of the 16 places available at the qualifying event.
Evans told the BBC:
“I’m thrilled that I’ve been invited. It’s fantastic news.
“You are obviously going to get your critics saying it’s only because she’s a woman that she got the invite. I feel like I’ve paid my dues to the game and this is a little payback that I’ve been rewarded with this invite.”
Evans has previously competed on the men’s professional tour in 2010/11 but lost 18 consecutive games.
World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Jason Ferguson said he hoped the progress of Evans would help encourage more female players,
“Snooker is based on technical skills, it’s not a strength or power game,” he said.
“Men and women can compete – I actually believe it’s one of the most accessible sports in the world.”
